Report on. Workshop on Guiana Shield Biodiversity Corridors to streamline support for the achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets

Transcription

1 Report on Workshop on Guiana Shield Biodiversity Corridors to streamline support for the achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets Kurupukari, Guyana Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre 21 to 23 May 2014

2 Report prepared by: The Consultancy Group 16 First Avenue, Subryanville, Georgetown, Guyana Tel: (592) , Participants at the Guiana Shield Biodiversity Corridors Workshop, Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre, Kurupukari, Guyana May

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 6 WELCOMING REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS... 7 Conservation, Sustainable Development and Co-Management The Iwokrama Experience... 9 TECHNICAL SESSION 1: Challenges and opportunities for transboundary conservation and biodiversity corridors in the guiana shield Presentation: Transboundary Conservation (TBC) and Connectivity Conservation Best Practice Guidance from IUCN WCPA Country Presentations Brazil French Guiana Suriname Colombia Venezuela Guyana Discussion TECHNICAL SESSION 2: TRANSBOUNDARY BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS LESSONS FROM THE FIELD Biodiversity Corridors: French Guiana Case Study Biodiversity Corridors: Suriname Case Study Biodiversity Corridors: Brazil Amazon Case Study TECHNICAL SESSION 3: TRANSBOUNDARY BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS AND AICHI TARGETS ROLE OF COUNTRIES AND ECO-REGIONS Convention on Biological Diversity and the CBD Lifeweb Initiative Guiana Shield Foundation for Biodiversity Guiana Shield Facility and Transboundary Cooperation Discussion

4 Remarks by Mr. Mike Williams, North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) Statement from H.E. Braulio Dias On The Occasion Of International Day of Biological Biodiversity TECHNICAL SESSION 4: GUIANA SHIELD BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS PLAN OF ACTION Plans for 50 th Anniversary of Sepanguy in French Guiana Reflections Closing Remarks APPENDICES Appendix 1: Workshop Agenda Appendix 2: List of Participants Appendix 3: Message from Executive Secretary of the CBD Appendix 4: Draft Plan of Action

5 LIST OF ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS CBD CI COBRA ECAM EPA GS GSF GSFBIO IBG IDESAM IFT IIC IMAFLORA IMAZON IUCN NRDDB PoWPA REDD+ SNUC TB TBC UNDP WCPA WWF Convention on Biological Diversity Conservation International Community Owned Best Practice for Sustainable Resource Adaptive Management in the GS A Equipe de Conservação da Amazônia (The Amazon Conservation Team) Environmental Protection Agency Guiana Shield Guiana Shield Facility Guiana Shield Foundation for Biodiversity International Society of Biodiversity of the Guiana Shield Conservation and Sustainable Development of Amazonas O Instituto de Física Teórica Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development The Instituto de Manejo e Certificação Florestal e Agrícola Instituto do Homem E Meio Ambiente da Amazônia International Union for the Conservation of Nature North Rupununi District Development Board Programme of Work on Protected Areas Deforestation and Degradation and Forest Conservation REDD National System for the Conservation of Nature Transboundary Transboundary Conservation United Nations Development Programme World Commission on Protected Areas World Wildlife Fund 5

6 INTRODUCTION The Workshop on Guiana Shield Biodiversity Corridor to Streamline Support for the Achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets took place at the Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre, Guyana from 21 to 23 May, The objectives of the workshop were to: review existing examples of biodiversity corridors within the Guiana Shield and best practice guidance from around the world; identify and analyse common opportunities, threats and challenges facing the conservation units within these corridors in the Guiana Shield; agree on the areabased Aichi Targets that could be achieved by implementing trans-boundary cooperation actions on biodiversity corridors; and outline the elements of a strategy, work plan and potential funding opportunities including a CBD LifeWeb Expression of Interest for implementing the agreed trans-boundary cooperation actions. This workshop was initiated recognizing that countries of the Guiana Shield are pursuing policies within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) that emphasize the importance of establishing biodiversity corridors to avoid landscape fragmentation and loss of species and habitats for biodiversity. Cooperation among the countries is required to pursue and achieve this worthwhile objective. The Guiana Shield Facility (GSF) which is a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiative, has a strong focus on science cooperation, including data collection and knowledge sharing through the International Society of Biodiversity of the Guiana Shield (IBG) and the periodic Biodiversity congresses. It also has a strong focus on priority setting through Science-Policy Consortia, with an eco-regional assessment and planning framework on biodiversity and ecosystem services updated periodically, with emphasis on enabling public polices/decisions based on sound science. The LifeWeb Initiative is an initiative of the UN CBD that facilitates financing for biodiversity conservation and the achievement of the area-based Aichi Biodiversity Targets. LifeWeb develops partnerships between donors and developing recipient countries. In view of their respective mandates, the GSF and CBD LifeWeb Initiative partnered to bring together international experts, Guiana Shield policy makers, and protected areas practitioners for this workshop, in order to garner technical inputs for streamlining support for the achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. Twenty nine (29) participants attended the three-day workshop (see Appendix 2 for list of participants). These included representatives from Guyana, Brazil, Venezuela (IBG Chapter), Suriname, French Guiana, and Colombia. At the end of the three-day period of presentations and discussions, a draft Guiana Shield Biodiversity Corridors Plan of Action was developed by the participants. The following report captures the proceedings of the three-day workshop. 6

7 WELCOMING REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS Dr. Raquel Thomas, Director, Resource Management and Training, Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development (IIC), welcomed the participants and acknowledged what a pleasure it was to be able to host the workshop in the wonderful setting of the Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre. She noted that this was a symbolic occasion given that the International Day of Biological Biodiversity was being observed on the following day. She asked the participants to introduce themselves and wished them a fruitful workshop. Ms. Vanessa Benn, Projects Coordinator, IIC, added her words of welcome on behalf of the staff, management and international board of trustees of IIC, the government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat. She advised that the IIC is not only about the Centre itself but about the people with whom it collaborates - in particular the surrounding communities at Fairview. The IIC was tasked with managing sustainably one million acres of tropical forest while using it for science and also allowing its use by the locals. This sustainable management was being done bearing in mind the pillars of economic, ecological and social importance. The IIC is implemented by local partners, the Guyana government and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Ms. Benn advised that this workshop is especially symbolic for Guyana given that it will be hosting the next IBG meeting in 2016, to coincide with the 20 th anniversary of the IIC and also Guyana s 50th anniversary of its independence. This workshop will provide a good opportunity for the participants to share experiences and strengthen relations in moving forward. Toshao Albertino Peters, leader of Fair View Village located within the Iwokrama Forest, joined Ms. Benn in welcoming the workshop participants. He gave a brief overview of his community and its relationship with Iwokrama, and wished the delegates fruitful deliberations during the workshop. Dr. Patrick Chesney, Programme Specialist, UNDP-GSF, welcomed the participants and advised that the workshop was as a result of the vision of Mr. Charles Besançon of the CBD and other colleagues of the biodiversity community. In providing a background to the GSF, Dr. Chesney informed that the idea was born more than twenty (20) years ago in the European parliament when interest was expressed in the Guiana Shield being proportionately represented as part of the wider Amazon area due to its unique ecology and high endemism of intact flora and fauna. This was especially in light of the threat posed by the expanding extractive sector. The three critical elements of the GSF are: national ownership by the participating countries; bringing together partners to share information and work together to achieve synergies; and provide scientific advice to inform public policies about the wise use of natural resources and sustainable development. The GSF operates as a flexible mechanism within UNDP, applying social and environmental standards that are accepted globally, with due regard paid to social inclusion and the individual parties involved. GSF s focus is multidimensional with biodiversity being at the centre of its work given its importance within the ecosystems at a time when climate change and the reduction of carbon emissions is receiving much attention. Dr. Chesney applauded the partnership between the CBD and other biodiversity partners at all levels in contributing to the global Aichi targets. He concluded by pledging the support of the GSF in achieving the local and regional objectives with regard to biodiversity. Dr. Patrick Williams, Country Manager, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guyana, welcomed the participants and advised that conservation corridors are not new to the WWF which has over the past fifteen (15) years been involved in supporting protected areas across Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Biodiversity assessments are also being undertaken in new areas. The impetus for this is that the region has a number of endangered species. In Guyana, special attention is being paid to the Kaieteur National Park, Shell Beach and the WaiWai Community- 7

8 Owned Conservation Area. WWF s work focuses on biodiversity assessment, capacity building and community participation. Mr. Williams emphasized that protected areas management is very expensive and challenging due to conflicts between biodiversity conservation and land use, in addition to limited funding for protected areas management. He emphasized the need for broad-based collaboration and urged Guyana and Suriname to step up their efforts towards achieving the Aichi targets since they were currently behind schedule. Dr Indarjit Ramdass, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CBD Guyana s Operational Focal Point, welcomed the participants on behalf of the government of Guyana. He commented on how integral the EPA has been in the development of legislation related to biodiversity protection and pledged the Government s commitment in working towards achieving the Aichi Targets. The EPA is currently preparing its third national biodiversity action plan which will be aligned to the Aichi targets. The Ministry of Natural Resources was also created within recent years and under its umbrella is the Protected Areas Commission. Dr. Ramdass thanked the CBD for its support at this workshop and also for its ongoing support to Guyana. He outlined the progress Guyana had made in relation to achieving the Aichi Targets and provided a brief overview of the new structure of natural resources management in the country through the establishment of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment. Mr. Charles Besançon, Coordinator of the Convention on Biological Diversity s (CBD) LifeWeb Initiative, extended greetings on behalf of the CBD. He reminded the audience that the CBD is now twenty two (22) years old with one hundred and ninety three (193) Parties to the Convention. The LifeWeb Initiative is supported financially by the German and Japanese governments. The CBD s interest in supporting initiatives such as this workshop is linked to the Guiana Shield being a region that champions the ecosystems and ecoregional approach. The Shield also has great potential because of its untouched nature and the growing level of commitment towards biodiversity conservation. It also has a healthy mix of researchers. Mr. Besançon expressed the hope that the workshop would yield decisions that focus on sustainability. He also looked forward to agreement on the way forward and hoped that the participants will be able to build networks among themselves. 8

9 Conservation, Sustainable Development and Co-Management The Iwokrama Experience Dr. Raquel Thomas-Caesar provided demographic data on Guyana then traced the development of the Iwokrama International Centre from its launching in 1989 as an international experiment in sustainable development and conservation to the present time. She advised that the IIC is an area protected by an Act of Guyana s Parliament covering one million acres (approximately 371,000 hectares) of intact tropical rainforest. Its mission is to promote the conservation and the sustainable and equitable use of tropical rainforests in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general, by undertaking research, training, and the development and dissemination of technologies. The IIC also works with sixteen (16) communities mainly of the Macushi tribe of Amerindians with whom it has formed partnerships through the North Rupununi District Development Board. The communities are involved in all of the management planning at the Centre and the IIC especially values indigenous traditional knowledge and expertise. Projects involving the North Rupununi community include chain-saw milling, monitoring reporting and verification, community-owned best practices and the EnCompass project. There is also ongoing capacity building within the communities. IIC business ventures include sustainable tourism, training services, timber harvesting and intellectual property and services. Wildlife clubs are also developed within the communities in the attempt to build conservation leaders. Among the research conducted, three new-to-science species were discovered within recent years. There is ongoing monitoring of biodiversity, water quality, the weather, carbon, traffic, the infrastructure and solid waste. Dr. Thomas noted that while the Georgetown to Brazil road that passes through the Iwokrama Forest presents a number of challenges, it also provides great opportunities. 9

10 TECHNICAL SESSION 1: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRANSBOUNDARY CONSERVATION AND BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS IN THE GUIANA SHIELD Chairperson: Charles Besançon, CBD Secretariat Presentation: Transboundary Conservation (TBC) and Connectivity Conservation Best Practice Guidance from IUCN WCPA Presented by: Mr. Olivier Chassot, Transboundary Conservation Specialist and Group Chair of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)-World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) Mr. Chassot, informed that the role of the IUCN-WCPA Transboundary Conservation Specialist Group was to: promote awareness of the value of TBC; promote effective governance structures to support management of TB areas; encourage and advise on the establishment of new transboundary (TB) areas; develop guidelines and standards; coordinate a Global Transboundary Conservation Learning Network; and strengthen information exchange and dissemination. He elaborated on the purpose and characteristics of connectivity conservation and noted its critical role in responding to climate change. Mr. Chassot outlined the objectives of transboundary conservation and elaborated on the characteristics of transboundary protected areas, Parks for Peace, transboundary conservation and development areas, and transboundary migratory corridors. He also elaborated on how to achieve co-management in transboundary conservation areas. Mr. Chassot listed the global challenges to transboundary conservation and connectivity and identified the governance process required to ensure conservation. He further elaborated on the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, the National Biological Corridor Programme and the San Juan-La Selva Biological Corridor in Costa Rica. In concluding, Mr. Chassot provided some recommendations for transboundary and connectivity conservation. Country Presentations BRAZIL Mr. Andre Lima of Ministerio do Meio Ambiente, informed that the protected areas in Brazil were established in 1937 (Itatiaia National Park) and he outlined the objectives for integrated protection and sustainable use. He traced the growth of the National System for the Conservation of Nature (SNUC) over the past eleven (11) years by biomes and advised on the status of achievement of the Aichi targets. Mr. Lima further listed the existing challenges and opportunities. Mr. Paulo Russo of ICMBIO, Brazil continued the presentation in which he spoke about the Mosaic of Protected Areas of the West of Amapa and North of Para. He elaborated on the legal basis of the Mosaic, its formal recognition, the areas covered, and its territorial configuration. He also advised of the need to protect the Mosaic from the threats of mining and hydroelectric projects and listed the existing challenges of representation, communication, and economic sustainability. 10

11 FRENCH GUIANA Mr. Claude Suzanon, Board President of Parc Amazonien / President of Sepanguy, provided demographic data on French Guiana noting that it was a land of contrasts a mixture of traditional life and advanced technology. He provided a background to the creation of the protected areas in French Guiana and listed the various steps. Mr. Suzanon elaborated on the composition of the technical teams, the political council tasked with managing them and the mechanism for enforcing existing laws. He further advised that illegal gold mining remains a threat for the communities and the environment and emphasized the need for cooperation among the Guianas. SURINAME Ms. Gwendolyn Landburg, of Anton de Kom University of Suriname, elaborated on the national and regional frameworks for transboundary conservation and connectivity corridors, the administration of projects on the ground and the justification for these projects. She highlighted the role of partner institutions in collaborating, the process for strengthening national priority projects and the parties responsible for monitoring projects. Threats include political, economic, social, environmental, legal and technological factors. There is also an urgent need for collaboration in the conservation of Suriname s major rivers. As a result of the annual Marine Turtle Symposium held between Suriname and French Guiana, a need was identified to monitor the population of leatherback sea turtles in the two countries in order to identify similarities. COLOMBIA Mr. Hugo Barrera, of Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, provided organograms of the National Environmental System and the Environment Ministry which is responsible for formulating biodiversity policies. Conservation projects include Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete and RedParques. The Chiribiquete parks are a major hotspot of biodiversity. Mr. Barrera advised that during the period 1990 to 2010, 22,260 km 2 of forest was lost in the Amazon region due to deforestation and a further 13,000 km 2 risk being lost by There is also rapid degradation of the deforested zones. He further advised that during the period 2005 to2010, 48.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide was emitted. VENEZUELA Ms. Lucy Perera-Romero of WCS, CIEG-UNEG, informed that the protected areas in Venezuela include natural monuments and National Parks (INPARQUES), wildlife reserves and indigenous territories. A national strategy, , for conservation of biodiversity and a national plan of action exist. These include several strategic actions for conservation including the involvement of the communities. Opportunities for cross-border collaboration include research for management and conservation action involving Universidad Nacional Experimental de Guayana, Instituto de Biodiversidad Ambiente y Sociedad de la Region Guayana, ACOANA, Fundación La Salle de Ciencias Naturales, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Other opportunities include jaguar conservation units as a potential space for conservation action at a regional scale, territorial and wildlife management of indigenous territories, and academic programs for indigenous peoples of the region. Threats include illegal gold mining, corruption, and plans for mega infrastructures. There is urgency for collaboration as 11

12 threats continue to advance at an alarming pace and it is critical to keep cultivating capacities for territorial management for future effective conservation. GUYANA Mr. Damian Fernandes, Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission advised that the Commission was only established in The Kaieteur National Park was the first legislated protected area in Guyana (in 1929) which is probably the first in South America, followed by Iwokrama in Shell Beach and the Kanuku Mountains were added the list of protected areas in Approximately 90% of Guyana is solid forest while the population of less than a million people is concentrated along a thin strip on the coast. The connectivity discussion with regard to Guyana is relatively new but very important. The areas identified for biodiversity conservation in Guyana include areas of most ecosystems and biodiversity. A map was developed to inform the management of land use. Mr. Fernandes expressed the view that Guyana will first have to strive for a balance between the extractive sector and conservation before it can begin to discuss transboundary collaboration. The current challenge is how to work with indigenous owners of the land who are free to do whatever benefits them most. Mr. Fernandes further advised that the Guyana government has developed the Low Carbon Development Strategy however its implementation is dependent on the international market. Discussion During the discussion following the country presentations, a question was asked regarding the type of tenure arrangement that exists vis-à-vis land use by indigenous communities in Brazil. The Brazilian representative responded that the country s legislation determines whether the area can be used for mining or other activities. The governing factor is whether the proposed benefit to the community will be greater than the sacrifice of utilizing the land. A second question was what is the role of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) in connectivity and landscape management? Dr. Chesney advised that for countries such as Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil, there are limited funding opportunities through REDD+. Less than 20% of the financial pledges have actually been received to date. 12

13 TECHNICAL SESSION 2: TRANSBOUNDARY BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS LESSONS FROM THE FIELD Chairperson: Patrick Williams, WWF Guyana Biodiversity Corridors: French Guiana Case Study Mr. Arnaud Anselin of the Ministry of Environment in French Guiana advised that with regard to legislation, the Green and Blue Network is being established in each French territory. This has led to the modification of the Code of Environment and the planning laws. In terms of policy there is a National Strategy on Biodiversity and a Regional Ecological Coherence Scheme being established in each region. With regard to regulatory institutions, there are state services and local authorities. Mr. Anselin illustrated how the growing need for land causes habitat fragmentation, the effects of this fragmentation and its impact on the various species for which no real scientific data exists. In addition, the savannahs are shrinking. He highlighted the role of protected areas in ecological continuity showing land use data, the protected areas, natural zones with high ecological interest, and landscape analysis. With regard to the administration of projects, there is support for the NGO Kwata project, Nature in the City. There is also a database on obstacles to aquatic cological continuities. The efficiency of forest corridors is evaluated continuously and sports circuits are planned to be developed in the natural zones of Cayenne. Challenges include ineffective land use planning, a demand for agricultural land, illegal gold mining, expanding road networks and hydro-electricity projects. Mr. Anselin opined that collaboration among countries could strengthen cooperation on transboundary protected areas and that countries could also learn from each others best best practices. Biodiversity Corridors: Suriname Case Study Mr. Mark Wright, Conservation Director, WWF Guianas, using the example of a proposed new biological corridor in south Suriname, highlighted again that the Guiana Shield is a globally important biodiversity hotspot. A rapid biological assessment was done in part of the proposed new area in This study, of over a period of only three weeks and restricted to four small areas, discovered 50 species new to science. Suriname is one of the most waterrich countries on the planet and the main rationale for protecting this area is to safeguard the headwaters of many of Suriname s major rivers whilst creating a bridge between existing Protected Areas in French Guyana, Brazil and Suriname. This proposal has the initial support of the government and will be a collaborative venture between the relevant Ministries, Conservation International, Amazon Conservation Team, the local communities and WWF. It is anticipated that this new Protected Area the South Suriname Conservation Corridor will cover approximately 2 million hectares of largely untouched forest. The final boundaries will be determined following full biodiversity, hydrology and community use mapping of the area to ensure that community aspirations and needs are accommodated in the legal designations given to the area. Whilst protecting the county s freshwater resources this project will also seek to develop a financial mechanism to support the long-term conservation of this area. One exciting potential source of finance to be explored is payments for freshwater exports from Suriname to Caribbean countries that have a significant water deficit. 13

14 Biodiversity Corridors: Brazil Amazon Case Study Mr. Alexandre Brasil, of Conservation International (CI), Brazil provided the history behind the Corridors of Amapa and Para and the creation of the protected areas map. The differences between the Mosaic and these two corridors were that the mosaic is legal/ institutionalized, it focuses on legal requirements and it is based on public mechanisms. The corridors are not formal; they are based on broader concepts and on private mechanisms. The protected areas comprise 81% of Para and 75% of Amapa. Threats include: lack of financial and technical resources; changing motivation; local economics based on land conversion and services; sustainability management; and clusters and value aggregation. Brazil is currently urging neighbouring countries to invest in Brazil. In Calha Norte of Para, partners include CI, IMAZON, IMAFLORA, IFT, and ECAM. Sources of financial support include compensation from large infrastructural projects. CI s revisited mission matches the Aichi biodiversity targets in that the benefits from the environment must accrue to the population. Challenges include vulnerability to political terms/positions, the political culture, land tenure, and the current culture of public service versus entrepreneurship. Mechanisms for financing include an Amapa fund. Opportunities for collaboration include the formation of partnerships, accredited mechanisms and increasing public and government inclusion and commitment. 14

15 TECHNICAL SESSION 3: TRANSBOUNDARY BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS AND AICHI TARGETS ROLE OF COUNTRIES AND ECO-REGIONS Chairperson: Vanessa Benn, IIC Convention on Biological Diversity and the CBD LifeWeb Initiative Mr. Charles Besançon, Coordinator of CBD LifeWeb initiative, informed that the entry point for the CBD s involvement on transboundary protected areas and connectivity conservation have their origin in the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA). In particular the goals to build effective protected area networks including regional networks and to integrate protected areas into broader land and seascapes and sectors so as to maintain ecological structure and function. He highlighted Aichi Biodiversity Targets 11 1 and 15 2 and the commitments that countries had made towards achieving these. He advised that the CBD LifeWeb Initiative is not a fund but a matching mechanism that creates partnerships between donors and developing countries and offers strategic advice. LifeWeb supports developing countries whose projects first have to be endorsed by the CBD and/or PoWPA focal points; the projects must be submitted by government and they must be aligned with the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and the Aichi targets. LifeWeb offers technical assistance in developing projects, promotion and profiling of Lifeweb expressions of interest online and to donors, and financial and logistical support for Round tables. LifeWeb expression of interest should be tied to national planning processes; must have clear objectives and funding needs; should reflect other proposals or plans; must contribute to each relevant Aichi target; and must be financially sustainable and have counterpart funding. Expressions of interest expire one year after the published date. Mr. Besançon reflected on LifeWeb s past successes and listed a number of recent matches. He emphasized that for successful matches, the project idea should clearly reflect national priorities, build on existing initiatives, have co-financing, be well written and the topic should be timely. 1 (last accessed 28/05/2014) Target 11 By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes. 2 (last accessed 28/05/2014) Target 15 By 2020, ecosystem resilience and the contribution of biodiversity to carbon stocks has been enhanced, through conservation and restoration, including restoration of at least 15 per cent of degraded ecosystems, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation and to combating desertification 15

16 Guiana Shield Foundation for Biodiversity Ms. Gwendolyn Landburg, Vice Chair, International Society of Biodiversity of the Guiana Shield (IBG) advised that the goal of the IBG is to foster and develop education and research in all disciplines thus contributing to the knowledge and stewardship of the biodiversity of the Guiana Shield and the conservation, preservation, and sustainable management of its natural, rural and urban ecosystems. She provided the background to the formation of the IBG and the goals of the Guiana Shield Foundation for Biodiversity (GSFBIO) that functions as the working arm of the IBG. She outlined the activities of the GSFBIO for 2014 which included legalizing and promoting the IBG, formalizing the university network among countries, and conducting workshops and training. Ms. Landburg further listed the board of directors of the IBG and the GSFBIO and the member countries of the IBG. In concluding she presented to Dr. Patrick Chesney a Book of Abstracts and Symposium published on the third International Congress on Biodiversity of the Guiana Shield held in Suriname in Guiana Shield Facility and Transboundary Cooperation Dr. Patrick Chesney, Programme Specialist, UNDP-GSF, elaborated on the eco-region concept and identified the areas covered by the Guiana Shield. He advised that the operating premise of the GSF is wedded in the UN philosophy of poverty reduction and sustainable human development. Dr. Chesney quoted a statement made by H.E. Braulio Dias, Executive Secretary of the CBD which highlighted the increasing challenges faced by the Shield in the promotion of economic development while ensuring the conservation of its natural capital to increase the benefits for its people. Dr. Chesney informed that ecosystems could be protected through implementation of valuation methodologies, payment for ecosystem services and the adoption of new technologies. He provided an overview of bio capacity in the Guiana Shield highlighting the opportunities that still exist in countries like Guyana, Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. Projects supported by the GSF are being carried out in Amapá and Amazonas states of Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, and Suriname. The total allocation in grants to country projects was USD1,801,163, with an average of USD450,000 per country. At the eco-regional level, GSF supported the 2013 Congress on Biodiversity held in Suriname. Thematic studies supported by the GSF include small scale gold mining assessment, a conservation priority-setting update, and gender and biodiversity assessments. The GSF Priority Setting Platform which is a functional interdisciplinary database on the Guiana Shield that links information on biodiversity, conservation initiatives, socioeconomics, natural resources, development, etc., is about to be launched. The GSF has created and sustained a number of effective partnerships both at the national and regional level. Among the lessons learnt by the GSF are: the natural capital of the eco-region is managed by a diversity of frameworks and there is a lack of common vision; national ownership (by governments) is key; when the decisionmaking apparatus is outside of the Guiana Shield (GS), this delays decision-making; aligning the GSF to a regional treaty builds trust and encourages delivery of support; the GSF working in a multilateral fiduciary environment can be an effective and efficient delivery mechanism for the achievement of targeted results in the field; and local indigenous communities have an important role to play. 16

17 Discussion During the follow-up discussion, there was a call to focus more on the protection of freshwater and this was fully endorsed by the audience. It was suggested that the setting up of a network of water management specialists in each country would be a good start to this process. In addition, existing monitoring protocols, tools for testing water quality, etc., could be shared among countries. It was also felt that integrated river basin management and the assessment of river systems should be focused on since there is the sharing of rivers among some countries. A call was also made for countries to begin estimating how much of their forest cover will disappear over time in allowing space for sustainable development while they attempt to maintain biodiversity. National land use planning and management was also seen to be crucial. A delegate from Brazil noted that while in Brazil it is felt that communities have helped to conserve the forest, this is mainly because some of them are too poor to convert the forest to their own use. A final comment was that the conservation of corridors was a good theme for South- South cooperation and that proposals in this regard should be scaled up. Remarks by Mr. Mike Williams, North Rupununi District Development Board ( NRDDB) Dr. Raquel Thomas welcomed the IIC s key partners from the NRDDB who were present on this very symbolic day International Day of Biological Biodiversity. She noted that this was a good occasion to recognize all of the IIC s partners that had supported the programme over the years. She expressed deep regret that the Hon. Robert Persaud, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment who was scheduled to address the participants today, was unable to travel to Iwokrama due to the cancellation of his flight. In addition, Ms. Khadija Musa, UN Resident Coordinator, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, and Mr. Dane Gobin, Iwokrama s Chief Executive Officer who were also scheduled to arrive on this flight, would not be present. Mr. Mike Williams, Chairman of the NRDDB expressed his pleasure at being present for the commemoration of International Day of Biological Biodiversity. He welcomed the visiting delegates and was especially pleased to renew his acquaintance with the delegates from French Guiana whom he had met the previous year. He advised that the NRDDB is a community-based non-governmental organization that represents sixteen (16) communities made up of mostly Macushis. The Board is not affiliated with any political party but collaborates with the government on any project that is felt to be worthwhile. The NRDDB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate with Iwokrama on a number of projects such as the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification Project, and the Community Owned Best Practice Project (COBRA). The Board also collaborates with French Guiana, Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil on common issues. In addition, the NRDDB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CI and it is fortunate to be able to work with both Iwokrama and CI one in the North and one in the South while the NRDDB is geographically in the middle. The NRDDB has also worked along with WWF and Iwokrama on the radio Paiwomak project. Mr. Williams expressed his extreme gratitude for the benefits derived through collaboration with its various partners and wished the participants a successful workshop. Ms. Landberg took the opportunity to present to Mr. Williams a copy of the publication on the first International Congress on Biodiversity of the Guiana Shield held in Suriname in

18 Statement from H.E.Braulio Dias On The Occasion Of International Day of Biological Biodiversity Mr. Charles Besançon read a statement from H.E. Braulio Dias, Executive Secretary of the CBD on the occasion of International Day of Biological Biodiversity (see Appendix 3 for full text). In his statement Mr. Dias welcomed the delegates to the workshop and expressed the CBD s pleasure at being able to collaborate with its partners in organizing this workshop. The theme for this year s International Day of Biological Biodiversity is Island Biodiversity. Mr. Dias noted that the ecosystems of the Guiana Shield Eco-region remain understudied and that the region is considered to be one with the highest biodiversity in the world, thus providing unparalleled opportunities for conservation. He congratulated the countries and territories that had pledged to conserve a minimum of 20% of their coastal and marine areas by 2020 and promised the CBD s support in their conservation efforts. Mr. Dias especially recognized the importance of linking local, national and regional actions to achieve global targets such as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and urged countries to work towards the achievement of these targets for which the formation of strategic partnerships would be crucial. Mr. Dias had the pleasure of meeting Guyana s President, H.E. Donald Ramotar in 2013 and they had discussed the need to speed up the implementation of the Aichi targets. They had also agreed that the development of a biodiversity corridor in the Shield would serve to accelerate this process in addition to strengthening cooperation between governments. Mr. Dias congratulated the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment of Guyana for launching the Low Carbon Development Strategy and thanked the various national, regional and global partners who significantly contribute to conservation on the ground. 18

19 TECHNICAL SESSION 4: GUIANA SHIELD BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS PLAN OF ACTION Chairperson: Oliver Chassot, IUCN Mr. Chassot reminded the delegates that the required outputs of the workshop were to: design elements of transboundary cooperation on biodiversity corridors; develop instrument(s) for cooperation among protected areas and other conservation management units; and draft a plan of action. He provided some background information to guide the participants in developing these outputs and divided them into two groups by geographic sub-regions. Upon presenting their plans of action, the groups were requested to prioritise their activities. A working group comprising Mr. Charles Besançon, Mr. Arnaud Anselin, Mr. Olivier Chassot, and Mr. Mark Wright then used the groups plans to draft a combined action plan (see Appendix 4) which was later presented to the audience. This draft will be further fine-tuned by the working group then shared with the participants at a later date. The finalized plan will be produced in the five different languages of the Guiana Shield countries with the assistance of the GSF. Plans for 50 th Anniversary of Sepanguy in French Guiana Mr. Claude Suzanon of Sepanguy advised that this workshop will take place in French Guiana from October 2014 with the participation of six representatives from each country. A steering committee has been set up to plan the workshop and the programme will commence with field visits. Mr. Suzanon listed the objectives of the workshop and advised that the style of the workshop will be more round-table type discussions rather than presentations. Reflections In reflecting on the workshop, the participants agreed that it offered a good opportunity for sharing information and learning about each other s initiatives within the region. It was clear that the GSF countries have similar challenges in conserving biodiversity, in particular with respect to gold mining. It was agreed that the local communities have a great deal of potential and that their involvement was integral in conserving biodiversity. Strengthening these communities could also assist in their becoming protagonists in achieving the strategies for connectivity. Closing Remarks Dr. Raquel Thomas-Caesar, representative of Guyana s IBG 2016 local organizing committee (LOC) updated the participants on preparations for the IV International Congress on the Biodiversity of the Guiana Shield which is to be held in Guyana in The LOC is currently fund raising to host the congress and is also in the process of identifying thematic areas. The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment of Guyana will be an active participant and countries are being urged to promote the congress across the Guiana Shield. As part of the congress, a biodiversity champion will be identified. Ms. Thomas closed by urging the countries to develop their chapters of the IBG and thanked them for attending the workshop. 19

20 Ms. Vanessa Benn thanked the participants on behalf of the IIC for attending the workshop. She further thanked all of the partners and supporters of the workshop and appealed for their continued support for the IIC. She reminded the delegates of their invitations to the Closing Reception hosted by the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment that evening in Georgetown and encouraged their attendance. Mr. Charles Besançon thanked the participants for their hard work during the workshop and acknowledged that strong connections were developed over the three-day period. He noted that while the Guyana government supports the IIC, the international community also needs to provide their support. In this regard, the workshop participants had drafted a declaration to garner support which read as follows: We the participants of this important workshop acknowledge the importance of the Iwokrama Programme Site and for its outstanding contributions to the sustainable management and conservation of rainforest ecosystems and also recognizing the Government of Guyana s continued commitment and support for the programme. We encourage the commitment of the international community and the re-commitment of the Commonwealth to the mandate of Iwokrama. We furthermore call on the rest of the world to embrace the Iwokrama site and the opportunity it presents as a natural solution to the many challenges of sustainable development. 20

21 APPENDICES Appendix 1: Workshop Agenda Workshop on Guiana Shield Biodiversity Corridor to streamline support for the achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets Kurupukari, Guyana Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre 21 to 23 May 2014 Objectives of the Workshop (i) To review existing examples of biodiversity corridors within the Guiana Shield and best practice guidance from around the world; (ii) To identify and analyse common opportunities, threats and challenges facing the conservation units within these corridors in the Guiana Shield; (iii) To agree on the area-based Aichi Targets that could be achieved by implementing transboundary cooperation actions on biodiversity corridors; (iv) To outline the elements of a strategy, workplan and potential funding opportunities including a CBD LifeWeb Expression of Interest for implementing the agreed transboundary cooperation actions. Day 1, Wednesday, 21 May Opening ceremony: Chairperson: Raquel Thomas, Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) 17:00-17:05 Welcome and introduction Vanessa Benn, IIC 17:05-17:10 Remarks Patrick Chesney, UNDP-GSF 17:10-17:15 Remarks Patrick Williams, WWF Guyana 17:15-17:20 Remarks Representative of EU Delegation in Guyana 17:20-17:30 Remarks and overview of the workshop Charles Besançon, CBD Secretariat 17:30-17:35 Introductions (all participants) 17:35-17:45 Presentation on Iwokrama Raquel Thomas, IIC 21

22 Technical session 1: Challenges and opportunities for transboundary conservation and biodiversity corridors in the Guiana Shield Chairperson: Charles Besançon, CBD Secretariat 17:45-18:30 Transboundary Conservation and Connectivity Conservation Best Practice Guidance from IUCN WCPA Olivier Chassot, IUCN WCPA Transboundary Conservation Specialist Group Co-Chair 18:30-18:40 Break 18:40-18:55 Country Presentation Brazil 18:55-19:10 Country Presentation Colombia 19:10-19:25 Country Presentation French Guiana 19:25-19:40 Country Presentation Suriname 19:40-20:00 Discussion Day 2, Thursday, 22 May Technical session 2: Transboundary biodiversity corridors lessons from the field Chairperson: Patrick Williams, WWF Guyana 08:00-08:15 Country Presentation Venezuela 08:15-08:30 Country Presentation Guyana 08:30-08:45 Biodiversity corridors: Amapá and Para case study Alexandre Brasil, CI-Brazil / Amazon Programme 08:45-09:00 Biodiversity corridors: Suriname case study Mark Wright, WWF Guianas Technical session 3: Transboundary biodiversity corridors and Aichi Targets role of countries and ecoregions Chairperson: Vanessa Benn, IIC 09:00-09:15 Convention on Biological Diversity and the CBD LifeWeb Initiative Charles Besançon, CBD Secretariat 09:15-09:30 Guiana Shield Foundation for Biodiversity Gwen Landburg, IBG 09:30-09:45 Guiana Shield Facility and transboundary cooperation- Patrick Chesney, UNDP 09:45-10:30 Coffee Break 10:30-11:00 Discussion 11:00-12:00 Presentation by Hon. Robert Persaud, Minister of NRE, Guyana 12:00-13:30 Lunch Technical session 4: Guiana Shield Biodiversity Corridors Plan of Action Chairperson: Olivier Chassot, IUCN 13:30-15:30 Plenary Design elements of transboundary cooperation on biodiversity corridors Instrument(s) for cooperation among protected areas and other conservation 22

23 management units Drafting of the plan of action 15:30-15:45 Coffee Break 15:45-17:00 Discussions and conclusions Day 3, Friday 23 May Closing ceremony Chairperson: Alexandre Brasil, CI-Brazil / Amazon Program, Brazil 08:00-08:15 Summary of Day 2 08:15-09:00 Report on the draft Guiana Shield Biodiversity Corridors Plan of Action 09:00-09:30 CBD LifeWeb Expression of Interest 09:30-09:45 Plans for 50 th Anniversary of Sepanguy in French Guiana Claude Suzanon, Sepanguy 09:45-10:00 Next steps 10:00-10:10 Closing remarks Representative of IBG LOC :10-10:20 Closing remarks UNDP-GSF 10:20-10:30 Closing remarks CBD Secretariat Changes to Agenda Day 2 session: TRANSBOUNDARY BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS LESSONS FROM THE FIELD 1. Guyana and Venezuela Country Presentations were made on Day 1 instead. 2. An additional case study was included: Biodiversity corridors, Brazil Amazon 3. Presentation by Hon. Robert Persaud, Minister NRE, Guyana was not made. Instead there were remarks By Mr. Mike Williams, North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) 4. There was also a statement from H.E.Braulio Dias on the Occasion of International Day of Biological Biodiversity 5. Biodiversity corridors: French Guiana case study Bérengère Blin, Parc Amazonien. Presentation was made by Mr. Arnaud Anselin on behalf of Bérengère Blin Day 3: Closing ceremony was chaired by Mr. Alexandre Brasil instead of Bérengère Blin, Parc Amazonien, French Guiana 23

24 APPENDIX 2: LIST OF PARTICIPANTS Name Organization Country Charles Besançon Convention on Biological Diversity - Life Web Initiative Canada charles.besançon@cbd.int Oliver Chassot Patrick Chesney Yolanda Ward Kenneth Rodney Vanessa Benn Raquel Thomas Caesar Adit Sharma Tropical Science Centre Costa Rica ochassot@cct.or.cr UNDP Guyana Guyana Patrick.chesney@undp.org GSF -UNDP Guyana yolanda.ward@undp.org Iwokrama International Centre Guyana krodney@iwokrama.org Iwokrama International Centre Guyana vbenn@iwokrama.org Iwokrama International Centre Guyana rthomas@iwokrama.org Iwokrama International Centre Guyana asharma@iwokrama.org Romeo De Freitas Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society Guyana romeodefreitas@yahoo.com Mark Wright Aiesha Williams Patrick Williams WWF - Guianas Suriname mwright@wwf.sr WWF - Guianas Guyana awilliams@wwf.gy WWF - Guianas Guyana pwilliams@wwf.gy Oronde Drakes WWF - Guianas Guyana odrakes@gmail.com Colette Hytmiah WWF - Guianas Guyana chytmiah@wwf.gy Veetal Rajkumar Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment Guyana vrajkumar@nre.gov.gy 24